What is the significance of Muharram?

Summary

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred and blessed time in Islam, with the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) being a particularly important day for fasting. It commemorates the salvation of Prophet Musa (Moses) and other significant historical events. While the tragedy of Hussein's martyrdom occurred on this day, its meaning does not overshadow the spiritual significance of Ashura. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized fasting on Ashura for the forgiveness of sins and encouraged Muslims to engage in extra worship and charity during Muharram, a time of heightened devotion and spiritual renewal.

Takeaways

• 😀 Muharram is a sacred month, referred to by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as 'Shahrullaahil Muharram', the month of Allah.
• 😀 Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, and many scholars consider it the most sacred of these months.
• 😀 Although Ramadan is the holiest month of the year, it is not one of the sacred months, unlike Muharram.
• 😀 The Islamic calendar began with Muharram after a discussion among the Sahabah, who felt it was a fitting time due to its blessings and its occurrence after Hajj.
• 😀 Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) regularly fasted during the month of Muharram, especially on the 10th of Muharram, known as 'Ashura'.
• 😀 Fasting on the 10th of Muharram was obligatory in the first year after the Hijrah, but later became a recommended act.
• 😀 The fast of 'Ashura serves as an expiation for the minor sins of the previous year.
• 😀 Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the significance of fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, though he passed away before being able to do so.
• 😀 Many significant historical events occurred on the 10th of Muharram, such as the salvation of Prophet Musa (عليه السلام) from Pharaoh and the landing of Nuh's (عليه السلام) ship on Mount Judi.
• 😀 The martyrdom of Hussein (رضي الله تعالى عنه) in Karbala occurred on the 10th of Muharram, but it is a separate historical tragedy that does not define the sanctity of the month or the day of fasting.

Q & A

What is the significance of Muharram in Islam?

Muharram is a sacred month in Islam, referred to as 'Shahrullahil Muharram' (the month of Allah). It is one of the four sacred months and holds a high honor as the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Why is Muharram considered the most sacred of the four sacred months?

Many scholars consider Muharram the most sacred of the four sacred months because it holds special significance, particularly due to its association with fasting and its status as the first month of the Islamic calendar.

How did Muharram become the first month of the Islamic calendar?

When Umar ibn Khattab established the Islamic calendar, the companions debated which month should begin the year. Eventually, they agreed that Muharram should start the year due to its blessings and proximity to Hajj, marking a new beginning.

What was the fasting practice during the month of Muharram in the time of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) fasted regularly during the month of Muharram, particularly on the 10th day of the month, known as 'Ashura'. He was particularly concerned about fasting on this day.

What is the significance of fasting on the 10th of Muharram ('Ashura')?

Fasting on the 10th of Muharram serves as a means of forgiveness for the minor sins of the previous year. The day is also significant for the events it commemorates, such as the salvation of Moses from Pharaoh and the landing of Noah's Ark.

Why did the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encourage fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram?

The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged fasting on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram to differentiate the Muslim practice from that of the Jewish community, who also fasted on the 10th. He expressed his intention to fast both days if he lived another year.

What is the relationship between the martyrdom of Hussein and the sanctity of Muharram?

The martyrdom of Hussein (رضي الله عنه) in the Battle of Karbala occurred on the 10th of Muharram, but it does not affect the sanctity of the month. Muharram was already a blessed and sacred month before this historical tragedy.

How do Muslims view the day of Ashura following the tragedy of Karbala?

Muslims continue to view Ashura as a day of worship and fasting, not a day of mourning. The focus remains on drawing closer to Allah through fasting and good deeds, rather than commemorating the tragedy.

What are some recommended actions for Muslims during the month of Muharram?

During Muharram, especially the 10th day, Muslims are encouraged to fast, perform extra good deeds, and engage in acts of charity. It is a month of increased worship and spiritual reflection.

What did the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) say about fasting on the 10th of Muharram?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized fasting on the 10th of Muharram, describing it as a day that brings forgiveness of minor sins. He also mentioned his intention to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, highlighting its importance.